The Northern Red-bellied Cooter is a large, basking turtle of the mid-Atlantic states. Its reddish plastron and reddish markings on the shell distinguish it. A Massachusetts population is federally threatened.
Habitat
Deep, clear rivers, ponds, and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation
Diet
Aquatic plants, algae, and occasionally invertebrates
How common
Uncommon
Best time to see a Northern Red-bellied Cooter
The best time to see a Northern Red-bellied Cooter is February–June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,465 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Northern Red-bellied Cooter sightings near you
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